DESERT LIFE

HOUBARA AND FALCONRY: IS CAPTIVE BREEDING THE FUTURE?

It is fact that the houbara bustard population is declining in the wild. Blame is often attributed to the falconers who rate the houbara one of the ultimate quarry species. It is so favoured that those who hunt it constantly strive to find new populations and the search takes them to countries previously untouched by the pressure of hunting. These had formed pockets of security for the world population, but as these new areas become available, it increases the strain on numbers. Thus, simply seeking new populations to hunt is a short-term view, and like the oryx, which was pursued to the most remote areas of its range, extinction is the inevitable outcome.

Those who hunt are therefore those who have a vested interest in creating a viable population of houbara. This would allow a sustainable annual harvest whilst ensuring the continuation of the species. Only action will ensure a long-term positive outcome, but the question is: how can this be achieved?

One man who believes he has the answer is Paul McCormick. He has over 15 years experience managing a captive breeding centre for houbara, and over 40 years experience breeding other quarry species such as pheasant, partridge and duck.

“I spent many years managing estates that incorporated shooting of pheasant, partridge and duck as an integral part of the overall farming policy. I bred many thousands of these birds for shooting and it has ensured the continuation of a sport which has existed for centuries and provided new generations with the opportunity to do so. There are many different levels, from large, formal shoots which employ gamekeepers and breed many thousands of birds, to the walked up shoots releasing less than one hundred birds but providing equal enjoyment and opportunity to those who participate”.

Paul staunchly believes the success achieved with the production and release of traditional game birds in the west can easily be adapted to develop a similar programme allowing large volumes of houbara to become available for hunting in the Arab world.

“It was not so long ago that the captive production of 1000 houbara each year was only a dream. However in a breeding programme in Morocco where I was Director, more than 1500 were produced in 2002, with individual females laying over 30 eggs in one breeding season. This programme started in 1993 with 154 eggs producing 138 chicks, so the possibilities are endless”.

Paul places this knowledge in the hands of those who wish to grasp the opportunity. He believes the way forward is the captive breeding of houbara, funded by falconers, to provide a quarry which can be released into areas specifically for hunting. These areas can be managed appropriately and restocked on an annual basis, encouraging new generations of falconers by ensuring there are viable numbers of houbara to hunt.

Perhaps more importantly it will relieve the pressure currently placed on the existing wild populations of houbara. With designated hunting areas, birds conversely have the security of habitat untouched by hunting and so can breed and naturally restock their populations. This will ensure the continuation and growth of the species.

Anyone with comments or requesting further information or assistance in developing these words into reality are invited to contact Paul in confidence at: mail@desertlife.co.uk